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- Talk
- 23/09/2021
- UK
Improving Care for Patients on Growing Waiting Lists for Planned Care: What Can We Learn from the Experiences and Expectations of Patients in the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Description
In this presentation, Kunal Kulkarni discusses a significant study conducted from Leicester focused on patient perspectives regarding waiting lists for planned orthopedic care in the UK. With over 5 million patients waiting for treatment due to complications arising from COVID-19, the study aims to incorporate patients' subjective experiences alongside traditional objective measures to enhance support for those on waiting lists.
The research examines the responses from 888 patients, whose demographics were broadly similar across different cohorts. Notably, it highlights that patients from the upper limb cohort reported better health outcomes compared to those waiting for spine interventions, who experienced the longest wait times and more severe symptoms. Importantly, most patients expressed a strong desire to proceed with their treatment despite the pandemic, having already exhausted conservative measures.
Kunal will explain the methodological approach utilized, which included a mix of quantitative health assessments and qualitative feedback using Normalization Process Theory to unpack patient experiences. Key findings reveal that emotional and psychological challenges were prevalent among patients, particularly those in prolonged waiting situations, leading to increased anxiety regarding their healthcare outcomes.
As a response, the study introduced the "3C plan," aimed at enhancing communication with patients, providing coping strategies, and ensuring they are informed about their status and progress on the waiting lists. This plan encompasses improvements to existing services, including the establishment of a new patient-facing website, which aims to provide clear updates and access to support.
The session concludes with implications for healthcare services, as Kunal emphasizes the reproducibility of the action plans developed and the importance of patient-centered care in effectively managing waiting lists in a post-pandemic context. The research contributes valuable insights for other units facing similar challenges while fostering continuous improvement in patient care.